This page will provide updates, news and information about St Paul’s International Project to Kenya which takes place from 1st – 12th February 2013.

Students Barra McAteer, John McAleer, Conor McCrink, Eileen Muckian, Aoife Malone and Niamh Hughes, are visiting the Parish of Londiani and working with Irish missionary priests from the Society of St Patrick at Kiltegan. The students are accompanied by School Chaplain, Father Dermot Maloney, Head of Science, Mrs Bridget McConville and Principal, Mr Oliver Mooney. Follow the students’ daily blog below as they record their journey and adventures in Kenya.

Pictured above are the students going on the International Project to Kenya, along with Mrs Bridget McConville and Principal Mr Oliver Mooney, who are also going. Absent from the photo is school chaplain Fr Dermot.

NEW PHOTOS FROM #TEAMKENYA HAVE JUST ARRIVED!

DAY 9: Saturday 9 February, 2030 EAT

Jambo everyone!

We were all early birds this morning, after the “rat-a-tat-tat” on our windows from the man himself, Mr Mooney. After rising from our beds at 6.30am for mass, everyone was exhausted from their busy schedule in the past week. Fr Dermot said Mass with Fr Con, and we all sang Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat for the last time in Londiani. After breakfast we got a farewell from monkeys, after Niamh spotted them jumping from tree to tree.

We began our safari (journey) to Lake Victoria, along the bumpy road. The boys were deaf after all the ‘crowing’ the girls did on the way up the road, singing to various popular songs! “Waka Waka” was being sung in full volume, as per usual.

Our first sight of Lake Victoria was from the roof of the Sunset Hotel in Kisumu. We were very disappointed to discover that this section of the Lake had turned green, and not a single Hippo was to be seen. However there was a funeral today in Kenya of a man who was killed by a hippo, so maybe just as well.

We had a lovely swim and celebratory lunch to acknowledge our great win against the Abbey CBGS, Newry in the Hippo Bay Resort, on the shores of Lake Victoria. Thank you very much Mrs McGuinness!

I’m afraid we spoilt ourselves; it almost felt as if we were on holiday. Of course there had to be some kind of drama, as we were getting a picture taken beside a lovely tree, Eileen stepped on an ant hill and had to return to the pool quite quickly fully dressed! We won’t say anymore about this, surely Eileen will agree! Before we left Kisumu, we stopped at a T-shirt stall, and everyone now has a lovely Kenya jersey.

On the way home we had another problem, the ‘matatu’ (minibus) broke down and Mr Mooney and Conor had to crawl under the bus and secure a broken shock absorber, in order to get us home; twice. The bus had to be left with a local mechanic in Londiani village and we walked the rest of the journey home.

We finished off our lollies today by distributing them to any child on the road home, we got plenty of waves and beautiful Kenyan smiles from all the children (some ‘big kids’ were grateful for a lolly also!).

Now we have the depressing task of packing our bags for tomorrow morning, when we will have to say goodbye to Londiani. Our bags are much lighter now which is a bonus. The boys were lost without their mums; be warned!

DAY 8: Friday 8 February, 2100 EAT

Jambo from everyone here in Londiani!

Another really busy day in the scorching heat. After breakfast we headed off for Misorget Secondary School. It was very clear they were expecting us coming and what a performance they put on!! They had a comedy show, which was hilarious and the acting was fantastic. They also sang and danced with all of our students joining in the fun. We can now dance like Kenyans!! However as the surrounding area of Londiani is at a very high altitude, Eileen and Aoife have found it very difficult to do their Irish dancing for the schools, as they are always left struggling to catch their breath, as the fascinated Kenyans give them a loud cheer! Everyone really enjoyed talking to the students, with various events unfolding such as, Niamh getting challenged to a race and thinking she was as good as Usain Bolt. Aoife became the new fifth member, and first lady of Westlife, as she proudly belted out “Uptown Girl”.

In addition to this, Eileen became friends with the Head Girl of the school, as they shared their love of music and drama, even exchanging small tokens of friendship. The boys were even challenged to show their strength, in comparison to the strong Kenyan men! Mr Mooney was fascinated by the examination syllabus for every subject in one book. Mrs McConville was told to check up the science section of the book!

After lunch Father Martin took us to Baraka Secondary School. The roads were terrible and the mini bus fell into a number of craters in the road. We thought the roads were bad in Ireland we will no longer be complaining!! However, all credit goes to Father Martin for getting us there in one piece!! At this school we were in for more entertainment with the acrobatics taking the centre of the stage!! It was fantastic and really entertaining. We got a look around the ICT room and we hinted to Mr Mooney that the computers are more up to date here than in school! We all were treated to sodas and we headed for home. Niamh was generous to the locals on the way home, handing out lollies as we drove along the bumpy road. (All everyone in the minibus could hear was the joyful reply of “Asante Sana!” which means Thanks very much in Swahili, as well as the girls shouting Jambo)

We just watched the entire match live from the big screen in Londiani. All off to bed happy and going to Lake Victoria tomorrow!! Well done boys!

DAY 7: Thursday 7 February, 2000 EAT

Hamjambo!!

We’ve had yet another busy day here in Londiani with very high temperatures once again. We were all up bright and early this morning to head for Baraka Agricultural College. We tasted a spot of sheer heaven when we visited Father Brian Tracey at Ukarimu Centre, a retreat centre with magnificent gardens, waterfalls and even a labyrinth. It was a very peaceful and splendid haven. (Heaven without the “E” as Mr Mooney said). Baraka Farm was also a great place. We saw the bees and the honey processing plant, the acres of vegetable gardens, trees and shrubs, a biomass generator, lots of animals and another donkey! We got a guided tour of the carpentry section where Father Dermot and Mr Mooney made an unusual purchase, be warned Mr O’Neill! The rest of us settled for honey.

After lunch we caught up with our laundry, our mums will be proud of us! Even James approved of our efforts. The monkeys made their first appearance on the compound and Barra won the ‘take the picture challenge’. We then split into two groups for house Masses in the small communities nearby. Both groups had great feedback, we were honoured to be welcomed into their homes where we helped celebrate Mass and enjoyed mutual entertainment once again. After this visit we have realised how privileged we are back home.

We were escorted home by a group of about 60 children wanting “Sweeties” and their pictures taken! Father Martin rescued us in his van. The same thing happened when we went for a walk later on we feel like real celebrities!! But I think they really only want the sweets! We ended our evening with a GAA discussion with Father Martin sharing his achievements as a young lad.

Good Luck tomorrow to our boys from all here in Kenya!! We will burn the midnight oil until the final whistle; don’t forget to keep us informed! #naomhpolabu

DAY 6: Wednesday 6 February, 2100 EAT

Jambo mazeomgo!

What a busy day we have had today here in Kenya! We had a very early start this morning as Father Con took us to Kericho. Our first stop was at the Live with Hope centre and we were greeted with the “Very quiet Sister Placida!!”

We had Mass and afterwards we introduced ourselves in Swahili and performed an Irish dance with Sister Placida joining in!

Our boys were very intrigued as they met three Scottish girls who were volunteers at the clinic! The boys were in heaven! Afterwards we were shown around the clinic and we were inspired by the work done by Sister Placida and her team to improve the lives of those with HIV.

After lunch we went to a home for boys who were living on the street. We presented them with a football, pens and sweets. They sang and danced for us, which was really enjoyable. We got a picture with them and one boy wanted to hold our hands in the photo! Next door there was a home for young orphans with HIV. We saw the great work that the Live In Hope centre carry out with these children. It was very sad to think that these children had no parents but they were very lucky to be rescued and looked after so well by the team. After this we continued onto a vocational centre for young people with disabilities.

It is very like our own college at home with courses in hairdressing, computers and even shoe making. It was very interesting and some of the girls offered to plait Niamh, Eileen and my own hair, but unfortunately we hadn’t got the time.

Today was the hottest day we have had yet so it was very tiring. After a very bumpy trip home we are safe and sound but very tired!

Tomorrow we are visiting an agricultural college, Baraka Farm and also calling with Father Brian. This will be another great day!

More news tomorrow. Kwa heri!

DAY 5: Tuesday 5 February, 2100 EAT

Jambo, once again from the sunny setting of Londiani, with scorching temperatures as per usual. We can’t believe it is snowing at home, while we are applying 50+ suncream!

We had a very busy day today and after breakfast we set of to Tendeno Secondary School. On the way we crossed the Equator and we all stopped for a quick photograph, as we were able to put one foot in the southern hemisphere, and the other foot in the northern hemisphere!

We continued our journey on and eventually reached Tendeno Secondary School where, after making our introductions, we performed some of our party pieces, i.e. the usual singing, Irish dancing and a fiddle duet from Eileen and Niamh, which they all enjoyed. The Tendeno students performed a traditional Kenyan tribal dance for us and a comedy play, which despite being entirely in Swahili, we still found hilarious.

Once again, the boys in the school tried chancing their arm with numerous proposals of marriage to Niamh, Eileen and Aoife, which the girls kindly refused! Barra got two marriage proposals but he declined and settled for a picture with the girls instead. Conor was challenged to a race while John was dragged off to the Chemistry lab to discuss “Chemistry”.

Gladys, the kiryani (Swahili for secretary) says hello Kathleen! After this we went to a house Mass, where we experienced a marriage ceremony as well as the bride receiving five sacraments in one day! After Mass Father Martin blessed the bride and groom, they insisted everyone got blessed so we all got a generous blessing with very cold water! (i.e., a shower).

We enjoyed our first African meal and chai (which is the way tea is served in Kenya). We joined in with the African dancing and singing and we were served wedding cake.

Next up was Mugumoini Primary School, where we were greeted like celebrities. This time we had quick introductions and performances because the children had waited an hour after school to see us. They had to be treated to a sweet before they would go home! Last stop was St. Peter’s Church in Mugumoini where we had to sign the visitor’s book. Most importantly it was seven hours since we had a toilet break so a long drop was necessary for all! Kathleen’s toilet roll on the go came in very handy!

When we returned to the compound in Londiani, Mr Mooney did a room inspection and the boys’ room failed! A serious tidy up took place after this.

A big kwa heri from everyone here in Kenya!

DAY 4: Monday 4 February, 2100 EAT

Jambo from Kenya!

We got up bright and early this morning as usual to the scorching sunlight here in Londiani. After breakfast we discovered we had a new “friend” outside our bedroom, it was a “charming” donkey, who Niamh, John and Aoife decided to get their photos taken with him. Barra and Eileen decided to follow suit, however the donkey took a dislike to Eileen probably because she is from Silverbridge and kicked her on the knee!

Fortunately there was no serious injury she is still walking and talking! We then all jumped into Father Martin’s minibus and headed for the local polytech, which was our first visit. There were only six girls in the polytech who were studying tailoring and dressmaking. The treasurer of the polytech was actually an Olympic bronze medallist from 1968. We are even meeting famous people here in Kenya!

We sang, danced and played music and afterwards we presented them with a football, sweets, pens and they each got a jersey each. They were absolutely delighted.

After this we went to Kipsirichet Secondary School and we got a very warm welcome. Once again we entertained our audience with even Conor, Barra and John joining performing an Irish dance. (It looks like Rooney O’ Malley School of Irish dancing may have some new recruits!) After this we got to interact and talk to the students following which, Eileen got four marriage proposals and Niamh’s hair once again was a big attraction. Niamh became the centre of attention as some of the boys pulled over chairs and insisting getting a photo with her, she also got a peck on the cheek to match that.

After lunch we went to Kapkondor Secondary School and once again we were a big hit. While entertaining the audience myself (Aoife) and Eileen pulled up some of the students to teach them how to Irish dance! One of the students laughed at us so much she fell down. It is safe to say everyone enjoyed it and it was a bit of craic! The schoolboys then danced for us, a traditional warrior dance and John and Niamh joined in.

Father Dermot also taught the children how to say hello and goodbye in Irish. All of the students were intrigued with all of us and some of the girls dragged Aoife and Niamh into the nearest classroom to interrogate them! Father Dermot, our knight in shining armour, came to our rescue and saved us! A very eventful day here in Londiani. We’re looking forward to reading your comments and we are having a fantastic time here in Kenya!

Kwa heri.

DAY 3: Sunday 3 February, 2100 EAT

Jambo from Kenya! Habari? (That means ‘How are you?’ in Swahili)

We have had a very busy day today. We were up bright and early and headed to Mass in Londiani. It was such an experience. There was so much singing, dancing and clapping the whole way through the mass. It was so upbeat and lively. Father Dermot said a lovely Mass and everyone was very excited to meet us as we were a big attraction, – wzungu (which means ‘visitors’).

At the end of Mass we were all invited up onto the altar and we had to introduce ourselves, which we did in Swahili as we had a lesson with Father Martin yesterday. Aoife and Eileen did an Irish dance, while Niamh played the fiddle and we all sang a song, whether we could sing or not!

After Mass we couldn’t get out through the door with the crowd, everyone wanted to meet us and say hello. Niamh’s hair was a big attraction and all the children were feeling it as they couldn’t believe how soft it was. The children couldn’t believe the colour of our skin and some even commented on how nice we smelt! The boys had great fun playing football with the children and we played games and sang songs until Conor got carried away! – literally carried away by six ten-year olds!

In the afternoon we did our laundry African style even our smalls were a source of amusement. In the evening we walked into Londiani with Father Martin. We couldn’t get over how busy the village was and all the children wanted their photograph taken. When we were coming back there were about ten children that followed us the whole way back to the compound. Niamh and Conor gave in and handed them out sweets and the children didn’t want to leave then. We didn’t tell Father Martin we gave them sweets he wouldn’t be too pleased!

We have a very busy day ahead tomorrow as we will be visiting schools! We will keep you updated anyway!

Kwa heri (Goodbye)

DAY 2: Saturday 2 February, 2100 EAT

Hello from Kenya!

Everyone is keeping well and having a great time! Yesterday morning we were up bright and early in Nairobi as we had Mass at 7:30 am. After our breakfast we packed up, squeezed into the minibus and set off on our journey to Londiani.

Our first stop was the bureau de change and we changed our money into Kenyan shillings. After this we headed for Nakuru. We stopped along the way to view the Great Rift Valley and it was amazing. There was a lovely view and we got lots of photos. We bought a few gifts of the street traders and they were very happy. Just before we reached Nakuru we saw zebras, gazelle and an antelope. Only Mrs Mc Conville saw a baboon but no-one else believed her. Barra saw a white monkey with a white face, which he thought was staring at him.

We continued on and when we reached Nakuru we stopped for lunch in a sports complex, which was delicious. We were very full and afterwards we found a park and had great fun playing on the swings. We then decided to go to the markets, which was quite an experience. We were actually slightly frightened. As we are white, we stick out a mile and as soon as the stall owners saw us they were around us asking us to buy all they had. Father Dermot really enjoyed haggling them and they thanked him for bringing the trade to Kenya. One man even gave him a free bracelet thanking him. We all got jerseys and bracelets. Mr Mooney tried to sell Aoife for 20 cows! Niamh was asked if she had a white man at home, Eileen was overwhelmed by the whole experience, and Conor did a good job in looking after her, John had to pretend Mrs McConville was his mum and Barra spent nothing because his money notes were all new. We then got back into the van, it was much hotter, the roads were a lot rougher and after six hours of travelling we finally made it to Londiani. After six police checkpoints and a few other diversions, we were delighted to reach Londiani safely.

Father Martin introduced us to the other residents on the compound at Londiani who will be our neighbours for the next weeks, and we met Father Con Ryan, who works in the parish with Father Martin.

More news later! Thanks for the comments.

DAY 1: Friday 1 February, 2245 EAT (East African Time)

Jambo from Kenya – and a big hello from the group this evening as we arrive safe and sound and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

You’ll be glad to hear we had a great and uneventful journey from Dublin this morning. We were able to navigate our way through the maze that is Heathrow Airport without losing anyone and we caught our 1030 flight to Nairobi with lots of time to spare.

Our host, Father Martin Barry, is waiting for us as we collect our luggage and he’ll bring us to St Patrick’s in Nairobi where we’ll get a well-earned rest tonight. We’ll then begin the long journey to Londiani…

Please leave us a comment below or post us a message. We look forward to hearing from you all.

More news tomorrow from Kenya. Good night!